Workspace Dividing System

ABSTRACT

A system for dividing a workspace includes first and second vertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective side edges. The first and second walls are arranged in parallel to partially enclose an area. A ceiling is included that extends between the first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at least partially cover the partially enclosed area. The resulting arch-shaped divider system may include any of a plurality of features. For example, the systems may include integrated work surfaces, seating surfaces, and/or informational areas, or may include viewing passages.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to workspace dividing systems and, moreparticularly, to a modular workspace dividing system. The workspacedividing system may include a variety of features, such as a continuousviewing slice extending over a portion of the dividing system.Additionally, the workspace dividing system may include an integratedworking environment, for example, a seat or a desk.

In modern work environments it is often desirable to create“non-traditional” offices, conference rooms, and the like. That is, itis often economically advantageous and aesthetically appealing toremodel buildings not originally designed to house traditional officespace. For example, it is increasingly common to remodel largeindustrial buildings such as factories or warehouses to accept“open-concept” office designs. In these cases, open-concept officedesigns are often employed in order to make non-traditional officespaces more amenable to workflows and business procedures.

One primary component of open-concept office designs is the use ofdivider or partition systems. To this end, while it is desirable andeconomically efficient to have numerous workstations collocated within alarge, open room, it is still necessary to provide barriers betweenworkspaces and to provide individuals with a sense of personal space. Inthis regard, open-concept office designs must constantly balance thedichotomy created by the advantages to having large, open workenvironments shared by many individuals and the desire for andadvantages provided by creating personal space within a workenvironment.

Additionally, many such designs must be capable of accommodatingtraditional office components, such as chairs, desks and the like.Accordingly, various divider systems have been designed that are thenaccompanied by traditional desk and chair sets. However, traditionaldesks and chairs often include design elements that are in starkcontrast to the design elements of many open-concept office systems. Forexample, many open-concept office systems are highly modular, whereastraditional desk and chair designs are autonomous units. Therefore,while these components can be coupled to form suitable workenvironments, they may reduce the modularity of the overall system anddetract from the aesthetic design.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system and method forcreating structures within an open-concept office that create personalspace within a work environment while still providing the feel, look,and various advantages provided by large, open work environments thatcan be shared by many individuals. Furthermore, it would be desirable tohave a system and method that integrates dividing structures with worksurfaces and seating areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks byproviding a divider or wall system that is flexible and modular. Eachsystem includes numerous features that are readily adaptable tonon-traditional offices and aid in creating structures, such as personalworkspaces or meeting/conference rooms. For example, the systems mayinclude integrated work surfaces, seating surfaces, and/or informationalareas, or may include viewing passages.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a workspace dividersystem is disclosed that includes first and second vertically extendingwalls having a respective upper and lower edge and respective sideedges. The first and second walls are arranged in parallel to partiallyenclose an area. A ceiling is included that extends between the firstand second walls to join the upper edges of the first and second wallsand at least partially cover the partially enclosed area. An elongatedslice extends through the ceiling and the first and/or second walls tocreate a continuous viewing passage to and from the partially enclosedarea through the ceiling and the first and/or second walls.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a workspace dividersystem is disclosed that includes a dividing wall having an upper edge,a lower edge, and opposing side edges. A first informational area isformed on the dividing wall and arranged proximate to the upper edge todisplay a first set static and/or dynamic information. A secondinformational area is formed on the dividing wall and separated from thefirst informational area to display a second set static and/or dynamicinformation. One or more elongated slices are formed in the dividingwall to provide a viewing passage through the dividing wall.Specifically, the one or more elongated slices are arranged between thefirst informational area and the second informational area to divide thefirst informational area and the second informational area at a heighton the dividing wall where at least a portion of the viewing passage isaligned at an average eye level of an individual standing proximate tothe dividing wall.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a workspacedivider system is disclosed that includes first and second verticallyextending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respectiveside edges. Also, the first and second walls are arranged in parallel topartially enclose an area. A ceiling is included that extends betweenthe first and second walls to join the upper edges of the first andsecond walls and at least partially cover the partially enclosed area. Aplurality of coaxially aligned elongated slices are included that extendthrough the ceiling and the first and/or second walls. The slices have acommon width to create viewing passages to and from the partiallyenclosed area.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a workspacedivider system is disclosed that includes a vertically extending wallhaving an upper edge and a lower edge and side edges. The workspacedivider system also includes a ceiling extending from the upper edge ofthe wall and configured to engage a building wall to at least partiallyenclose an area thereunder. An elongated slice is included that extendsthrough the ceiling and the wall to create a continuous viewing passageto and from the partially enclosed area through the ceiling and thewall.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a workspacedivider system is disclosed that includes first and second verticallyextending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respectiveside edges. Also, the first and second walls are arranged in parallel topartially enclose an area. A ceiling extends between the first andsecond walls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls andat least partially cover the partially enclosed area. At least twoelongated slices having a common width extend through the ceiling and/orthe first and second walls to create a set of viewing passages to andfrom the partially enclosed area.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a workspacedivider system is disclosed that includes a first wall and a second wallarranged as parallel, vertically-extending panels. A ceiling issupported by the first wall and the second wall to at least partiallyenclose an area within the first wall, the second wall, and the ceiling.A horizontally extending surface is included that is supported by thefirst wall and/or the second wall to create a seating area and/or a worksurface within the at least partially enclosed area.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a workspace dividersystem is disclosed that includes a first bench extending from a firstside to a second side between a front side and a rear side and supportedabove a floor by a first support structure. The workspace divider systemalso includes a second bench extending from a first side to a secondside between a front side and a rear side and supported above the floorby a second support structure. Furthermore, the front side of the firstbench and the front side of the second bench are aligned to extend inparallel. A first wall is supported by the first bench along the rearside to form a back for the first bench and a second wall is supportedby the second bench along the rear side forming a back for the secondbench. A ceiling is supported by the first wall and the second wall overthe first bench and the second bench.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a workspacedivider system is disclosed that includes a first wall extendingvertically from a lower end supported by a floor to an upper end. A deskis supported by an associated support structure above the floor. Asecond wall extends vertically from a lower end supported by the desk toan upper end. A ceiling is supported at a first end by the upper end ofthe first wall and at a second end arranged opposite the first end bythe upper end of the second wall.

Various other features of the present invention will be made apparentfrom the following detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of divider systems inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a plurality of divider systems inaccordance with another aspect the present invention arranged in onearrangement;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the plurality of divider systems ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a single divider unit in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention having an integrated worksurface;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a single divider unit in accordancewith another aspect of the present invention having an integratedseating area;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a divider unit in accordance with oneaspect of the invention coupled with a desk system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a divider unit in accordance withanother aspect of the invention coupled with the desk system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another divider system in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the divider system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the divider system of FIGS. 8 and9;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the divider system of FIGS. 8through 10 illustrating a viewing passage configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a divider system designed forindividual use having a viewing passage designed for use with a display;

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a divider system designed forindividual use having integrated work and seating surfaces and a viewingpassage configuration;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a divider system designed forindividual use having an integrated work surface and a viewing passageconfiguration;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a pair of divider systemshaving complementary viewing passages;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are side views of paired divider systems arranged invarious of configurations; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a divider system having integratedinformational areas and a viewing passage configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of divider systems is arranged tocollectively form a work environment 10. The work environment 10includes a plurality of elongated desks 12. Coupled with the desks 12are a variety of arched workspace divider systems 14. Each workspacedivider system 14 includes a first vertically extending wall 16 and asecond vertically extending wall 18 that are arranged in opposition toone another such that the walls 16, 18 are aligned in parallel. Eachwall 16, 18 extends from a lower end 20 to an upper end 22. Arranged atthe lower end 20 is a support structure designed to support the walls16, 18 above either a floor 24 or a desk 12. A ceiling 26 extendsbetween the first and second walls 16, 18 to join the upper end 22 ofeach. Accordingly, the workspace divider system 14 forms an arch shapethat partially encloses a workspace area 28 therein.

The arch-shaped design of the divider system 14 can be readily adaptedin a variety of arrangements. For example, by varying the lengths of thevertically extending walls 16, 18, a particular workspace divider may bedesigned to enclose a variety of workspace areas 28. As will bedescribed in detail below, the size of the vertically extending walls16, 18 may be varied such that the first vertically extending wall 16 isdesigned to be supported above the floor 24 whereas a second verticallyextending wall is designed to be supported on the desk 12. In thisregard, the first vertically extending wall 16 may include legs 30 thatform the support structure extending from the lower end 20 of thevertically extending wall 16 to engage the floor 24. In this regard, aswill be described, when an individual's positioned at the desk 12, theworkspace divider system 14 encloses the workspace area along the fronttop and rear orientations with respect to the individual positionedtherein while leaving open for free access and mobility the sides of theindividual positioned therein. Accordingly, an individual positionedwithin the partially enclosed workspace area 28 is provided a feeling ofhaving personal space while any feelings of being enclosed within aconfined area are alleviated do to the openness on the individual'ssides.

Alternatively, the workspace divider 14 may include vertically extendingwalls 16, 18 that are of similar length and design to stand above thedesk 12. Accordingly, the partially enclosed workspace area 28 surroundsthe sides of the individual positioned to work at the desk 12. In thisregard, the individual is provided privacy from side-to-side so as notto feel intruded upon by individuals working in close proximity.However, the individual is provided with a wide degree of easilyaccessible openness by merely backing away from the desk.

Within some arrangements, the ceiling 26 of the workspace divider system14 may be designed to extend the partially enclosed workspace area 28across multiple desks 12. Within this arrangement, individuals areprovided with a degree of privacy from others positioned across the desk12; however, collaboration between individuals located at separate desks12 is encouraged due to the fact that the workspace divider system 14spans multiple desks that would otherwise seem to be isolated from oneanother. Similarly, a workspace divider system may be designed to extendover a single set of adjacent desks 12. As such, the level of privacyprovided to an individual is reduced in favor of collaboration betweenindividuals seated facing one another at a common desk area.

Regardless of the size, shape, or specific orientation of the workspacedivider system 14 with respect to associated desks 12 or floor space 24,a plurality of features is shared by the workspace dividers 14 thatserve to tie the design of the workspace divider systems 14 together andprovide a level of functionality not otherwise achieved by traditionalworkspace divider systems. As previously stated, the workspace dividersystems 14 share an arch shape formed by the common arrangement of thetwo vertically extending sidewalls 16, 18 and the ceiling 26 joiningthose two walls 16, 18. Furthermore, each workspace divider systemincludes an elongated slice 32 that extends through at least one of thetwo walls 16, 18 and continues through the ceiling 26. In this regard, acontinuous viewing passage to and from the partially enclosed workspacearea 28 is formed. As will be described, this continuous and elongatedviewing passage 32 provides a variety of functionality not otherwiseachieved by viewing passages that are not sufficiently elongated orcontinuously extending through a sidewall as well as a ceiling of aworkspace divider system.

Referring now to FIG. 2, when an individual is located within thepartially enclosed workspace area 28 enclosed by the workspace dividersystem 14 arranged to extend transversely from the desk 12 onto thefloor 24, the individual is provided with a high degree of privacy whenviewed from the front or rear. Though contrary to the intuitiveunderstanding of the workspace divider system 14, in function, theviewing passage 32 serves to enhance the level of privacy provided bythe workspace divider system 14. That is, while the formation of apassage through an enclosing structure would lead one to believe thatthe passage decreases the level of privacy provided by an individuallocated within the structure, the viewing passage 32 formed in theworkspace divider system 14 serves to enhance privacy.

For example, the elongated design of the viewing passage 32 provides anarrow portal through to view the partially enclosed workspace area 28.Accordingly, individuals located outside of the partially enclosedworkspace area 28 can use the viewing passage to determine whether anindividual is currently occupying the partially enclosed workspace area28 without otherwise disturbing such an individual. Since occupancy ofthe partially enclosed workspace area 28 is made readily apparent by theviewing passage 32, individuals working around or passing nearby theworkspace divider system 14 are more likely to take efforts to notdisturb the individual within the partially enclosed workspace area 28.

The design and arrangement of the viewing passage when coupled with thedesign of the workspace divider system 14 creates an overall system thatis in stark contrast to a traditional workspace divider or partitionsystem, which does not allow one working around or passing by an areaenclosed by a traditional partition system to view the enclosedworkspace area. By not providing a means through which to identifyoccupancy, it is more likely that the workspace area will be assumed tobe unoccupied. As such, an individual occupying the workspace areaassumed to be vacant may be disturbed by work habits or vocal tones ofthose in the area that would otherwise be tempered if it were known thatthe workspace area were occupied. Therefore, the workspace dividersystem 14 provides a significant functional improvement over traditionalsystems that do not include viewing passages.

Furthermore, the viewing passage 32 provides individuals located withinthe partially enclosed workspace area 28 with a constant and consistentview of the surrounding area, which typically increases the individual'scomfort when located within the partially enclosed workspace area 28.That is, while being even partially enclosed within a particular areacan be disconcerting and/or uncomfortable for some people, the viewingpassage 32 serves to reduce or eliminate feelings of being enclosedwhile still providing a high degree of privacy. Also, by providing anindividual located within the partially enclosed workspace area 28 withan avenue through which to view the surrounding area, the likelihoodthat the individual will be inclined to leave the partially enclosedworkspace area 28 and review the surrounding area is reduced. Forexample, the viewing passage 32 provides a means through which toidentify sources of noise or other interruptions without requiring theindividual to leave the partially enclosed workspace area 28. As such,the individual's focus will often remain fixed on the task at handdespite small interruptions.

Additionally, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is contemplated that theviewing passage 32 may take a variety of shapes or sizes. That is,through primarily illustrated as forming a rectangular passage, theviewing passage 32 may be rounded, tapered, and the like. For example,the viewing passage 32 may include a taper that creates a tip 33 or oneof many other shapes. Also, while preferably having a relatively narrowwidth with respect to overall length, it is contemplated that theviewing passage 32 may have a variety of sizes. For example, inaccordance with one embodiment, it is contemplated that the viewingpassage 32 may have a maximum width of between approximately an inch anda foot.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the arch design of the workspace divider system14 enables the workspace divider system 14 to be readily coupled with orarranged in close proximity to other workspace divider systems 14. Inthis regard, the highly modular nature of the workspace divider system14 enables one to select from a wide variety of arrangements andconfigurations.

For example, as is common in many modern workspaces, it may be desirableto maximize the number of occupants supported by a given area. As such,the workspace divider system 14 is designed to be closely coupled withadjacent workspace divider systems 14 while still providing a highdegree of privacy and personal space for individuals operating withineach partially enclosed workspace area 28. For example, in thearrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, workspaces may be arranged proximateone another over a particular table or adjacent tables 12 while stillproviding sufficient privacy to individuals facing one another byblocking the majority of the view into the adjacent workspace area 28.At the same time, the closeness of adjacent workspace areas 28 isexploited by allowing individuals to readily view or communicate withothers located in adjacent workspace areas 28 through the viewingpassage 32. This is directly contrary to traditional partition systemsor workspace divider systems that often seek to provide the highestdegree of isolation between individuals at the cost of impeding directcommunication between individuals that could otherwise raiseproductivity and efficiency within the workspace.

As the number of individuals working in a common area is increased, andmore and more partitions or workspace divider systems are employed toprovide personal workspaces for each individual, the dispersement, andmore importantly, the availability of lighting sources 34 and,particularly, natural lighting sources is proportionally decreased.However, the present invention overcomes this drawback by extending theelongated slit formed in the first and/or second vertically extendingwalls 16, 18 onto the ceiling 26 to form the continuous viewing passage32. Accordingly, the continuous viewing passage 32 allows light 35 toenter the partially enclosed workspace 28 from the top as well as thesides of the workspace divider system 14. Furthermore, when adjacentworkspace divider systems 14 are aligned, the continuous viewingpassages 32 formed in each aligned workspace divider system 14 arelikewise aligned and allow light to be shared between the adjacentpartially enclosed workspace areas 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the workspace divider system 14 may beadapted to utilize spaces that would otherwise be unsuitable for workingenvironments using traditional dividers systems or partition systems,such as along building walls. For example, it is contemplated that theworkspace divider system 14 may include a single vertically extendingwall 16 coupled to the ceiling 26, which extends from the upper end 22of the vertically extending walls 16 to engage a wall of a structure orbuilding 36 housing the workspace divider system 14. In thisarrangement, the workspace divider system 14 provides the level ofprivacy described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 while utilizing aspace that might otherwise go unused due to its close proximity to thebuilding wall 36. Within this arrangement, it is contemplated that theviewing passage 32 extends along the vertically extending wall 16 andcontinues through at least a portion of the ceiling 26. In this regard,the workspace divider system 14, though including one less verticallyextending wall than the arrangement described above, provides the sameviewing and light transmitting advantages of above-described arrangementhaving a full arch shape.

To further facilitate the integration of the workspace divider system 14into a variety of environments, it is contemplated that the workspacedivider system 14 may include integrated seating or work surfaces. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, a horizontally extending surface 38 may besupported by the wall 16 so as to form a work surface or desk-like areaon which individuals seated within the partially enclosed workspace area28 may conduct work. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the workspacedivider system may be coupled with an integrated seating surface 40. Bycoupling either a work surface 38 or a seating surface 40 with theworkspace divider system 14, the modularity of the overall system isincreased, thereby further streamlining the process of integrating theworkspace divider system 14 into particular environments.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, it is contemplated that the elongatedslices formed along the vertically extending walls 16, 18 and theceiling 26 may come in a variety of arrangements and configurationsdesigned to fit the specific needs of a given work environment. Forexample, with respect to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that multipleelongated slices 42, 44, 46 may be formed across the verticallyextending walls 16, 18 and the ceiling 26. By separating the variouselongated slices 42, 44, 46 from one another, it is possible to adapt aparticular slice for the needs of an associated environment. Forexample, it may be desirable to include a transparent shield or othernoise blocking device within an elongated slice 42 formed in the wall 18extending above the desk 12 so that an individual seated at the desk 12would not be distracted by noise passing through the elongated slide 42.Also, it may be desirable to include one or more filters or diffuserswithin an elongated slice 44 formed in the ceiling 26 so that lightpassing therethrough will be dispersed throughout the partially enclosedworkspace area 28 in a desirable manner. Regardless of the particularinsets or inlays formed within the various elongated slices 42, 44, 46,each of the elongated slices 42, 44, 46 is aligned so that they extendcoaxially along a common axis 47. As such, users working within thepartially enclosed workspace area 28 are provided with a consistentpresentation of light and/or sound passing through the workspace dividersystem 14 into the partially enclosed workspace area 28.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it is contemplated that the elongated slicesformed in the workspace divider system 14 may be further segregated orpartitioned to provide increased flexibility when selecting insets orinlays to be included within the elongated slices. However, each of theelongated slices 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b 46 a, 46 b is designed to have acommon width 48 so that a consistent presentation of light and sound isprovided to an individual working with the partially enclosed workspacearea 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, as described with respect to FIGS. 4 and5, it is contemplated that the workspace divider system 14 may becoupled with various horizontal surfaces that can be used as worksurfaces or seating surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, this couplingof various surfaces may be further extended to create a highly modularworkspace divider system 14 having integrated seating areas 50 or, aswill be described, various work surfaces. Furthermore, the coupling ofvarious horizontally and vertically extending surfaces may presentrounded or curved surfaces or joints transitioning between a verticalsurface and a horizontal surface or vise versa.

In particular, the workspace divider system 14 again includes first andsecond walls 16, 18 that are arranged as parallel, vertically-extendingpanels. The ceiling 26 is supported through a rounded transition 51 tothe first and second walls 16, 18 to at least partially enclose theworkspace area 28 therein. Also supported by the first and second walls16, 18 are horizontally extending surfaces 52, 54 that form the seatingareas 50. The horizontally extending surfaces 52, 54, and, thus, thefirst and second walls 16, 18 and ceiling 26, are supported by supportstructures 56, 58. The support structures 56, 58 include a pair of legs60, 62 that cooperate to support the workspace divider system 14 abovethe floor 24.

It is contemplated that a padded lining 64 may be included that extendsover the surface of the first and second walls 16, 18, the ceiling 26,and the horizontally extending surfaces 52, 54. The padded lining 64includes a plurality of padding sections 76 that extend transverselyacross the first and second walls 16, 18, the ceiling 26, and thehorizontally extending surfaces 52, 54.

One or more elongated slices may be formed within the workspace dividersystem 14 that are coupled to create the elongated viewing passage 32extending over one or more of the walls 16, 18 and ceiling 26. In thisregard, the advantages and features described above with respect toFIGS. 1-7 are likewise provided to those utilizing the workspace dividersystem 14. For example, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the viewingpassage 32 serves to readily notify others that the partially enclosedworkspace area 28 is being occupied or utilized without the need todisturb those located therein because individuals located within thepartially enclosed workspace area 28 are readily viewable through theviewing passage 32.

While the workspace divider system 14 described with respect to FIGS. 8through 11 is designed for collective or collaborative use amongmultiple individuals simultaneously, it is also contemplated that theworkspace divider system 14 may be readily adapted for individual use.For example, referring now to FIG. 12, the workspace divider system 14includes a single seating area 68 supported above a pair of legs forminga support structure 70 for the seating area 68 and an associated wall18. The opposing wall 16 is designed to extend directly from the floor24 to support the ceiling 26 along with the combination of the wall 18,seat 68, and support structure 70. Within this arrangement, a userseated in the seating area 68 is positioned to view the wall 16 oppositethe seating area 68 in an arrangement that is conducive to viewingdisplay systems 72 or other information communication devices.

It is contemplated that the workspace divider system 84 includes theviewing passage 32 that has been adapted to extend along a portion ofthe wall 18 and ceiling 26. However, within the illustrated arrangement,the viewing passage 32 extends only along a portion of the ceiling 26and does not extend into the wall 16. As such, lighting sources 74, suchas would be commonly located above the workspace divider system 14 todeliver light down thereupon, do not interfere with the viewing of thedisplay 72. By extending the viewing passage only over a portion of theceiling 26, light 76 emitted by the light source 74 is permitted to passthrough the ceiling 26 to illuminate the partially enclosed workspace28, but is precluded from shining directly onto the display 72 and,thereby, diminishing the viewability of the display 72.

Referring now to FIG. 13, it is contemplated that the workspace dividersystem 14 may be designed to include both a seating area 68 and a worksurface area 78. In this regard, the workspace divider system 14 ishighly modular and self-sufficient so that traditional desk and chairsystems may be foregone in favor of the integrated seating area 68 andwork surface 78. Additionally, by integrating the work surface 78 andseating area 68 into the workspace divider system 14, the overall sizeof the workspace divider system 14 may be reduced into a highly compactform that is readily movable and easily adaptable to fit into a varietyof spaces.

On the other hand, referring now to FIG. 14, the workspace dividersystem 14 may be designed to accommodate a traditional office chair 80to seat an individual comfortably in front of the integrated worksurface 78. While this arrangement of the workspace divider system 14 isnot quite as compact as the workspace divider system described withrespect to FIG. 13, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, the workspace dividersystem is highly adaptable to be arranged within a variety ofconfigurations within various work environments and can be readilycoupled with additional workspace divider systems 14 to provide avariety of functionality and features not available in traditionalworkspace divider or partition systems.

For example, referring to FIG. 15, the elongated viewing passages 32 a,32 b may be arranged to align when multiple workspace divider systems 14are arranged together. In particular, when the workspace divider systems14 are arranged in a “back-to-back” formation, a first set of elongatedviewing passages 32 a provide a line of sight 82 into and out of theworkspace area 28. Additionally, a second set of elongated viewingpassages 32 b provide a viewing and sound portal between the twoworkspace divider systems 14 to encourage collaborative workflows.

When two workspace divider systems 14 are arranged tightly together inthe back-to-back formation, it may be desirable to divide the first andsecond sets of elongated viewing passages 32 a, 32 b by a solidseparator 84 that increases structural integrity of the workspacedivider system 14 and increases privacy. However, referring to FIGS. 16and 17, when a hallway is formed between adjacent workspace dividersystems 14, it may be preferable for the viewing passage 32 to extendcontinuously over the walls 16, 18 and ceiling 26.

Referring now to FIG. 18, it is also contemplated that theabove-described features of the elongated viewing passage 32 may beextended to an individual workspace divider panel 90. Furthermore, theelongated viewing passage 32 may be horizontally oriented within theworkspace divider panel 90. Within this arrangement, the elongatedviewing passage 32 may form a divider between various sections of theworkspace divider panel 90. For example, a first section 92 of theworkspace divider panel 90 may include a first informational area 94 anda second section 96 of the workspace divider panel 90 may include asecond informational area 96. As shown, the first and second sections92, 96 and respective informational areas 94, 98 are separated by theelongated viewing passage 32. Accordingly, a logical division is createdbetween the first informational area 94 and the second informationalarea 98.

In accordance with one embodiment, the elongated viewing passage 32 isarranged at a height on the panel 90 where at least a portion of theviewing passage 32 is aligned at an average eye level of an individualstanding proximate to the panel 90. This logical division can aid inconveying different types of information and/or may facilitate adivision between the manner in which information is conveyed by eachinformational area 94, 98. For example, should both informational areas94, 98 include cork boards for posting information, the separationcreated by the elongated viewing passage 32 aids in categorizing ordifferentiating information contained in each area 94, 98, such as bytopic, date, or the like. Additionally, the division created by theelongated viewing passage 32 may aid in communicating information overdiffering mediums, such as static display boards (e.g., wipe or corkboards) and dynamic display systems (e.g., monitors other displays).

Therefore, the above-described invention provides a dividing system thatis capable of creating personal space within a work environment whilestill providing the feel, look, and various advantages provided bylarge, open work environments that can be shared by many individuals. Inparticular, the above-described invention provides a divider or wallsystem that is flexible and modular. Each system includes numerousfeatures that are readily adaptable to non-traditional offices and aidin creating structures, such as personal workspaces ormeeting/conference rooms. The systems may include integrated worksurfaces, seating surfaces, and/or informational areas, or may includeviewing passages.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modifiedforms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments andcombinations of elements of different embodiments as come within thescope of the following claims.

1. A workspace divider system comprising: first and second substantiallyvertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge andrespective side edges and, wherein the first and second walls arearranged substantially in parallel and separated to form an areatherebetween; a ceiling member extending between the first and secondwalls to join the upper edges of the first and second walls and at leastpartially covering the area between the walls; and an elongated sliceextending through the ceiling and at least one of the first and secondwalls to create a continuous viewing passage to and from the areabetween the walls through the ceiling and the at least one of the firstand second walls.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a roundedjoint securing upper ends of the first and second walls to the ceilingand wherein the elongated slice extends through the rounded joint. 3.The system of claim 1 further comprising a substantially transparentpane positioned within the elongated slice to form a viewing window intothe area between the walls.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprisinga light diffusing pane positioned within at least a portion of theelongated slice to diffuse and disperse light entering the area betweenthe walls through the diffusing pane.
 5. The system of claim 4 furthercomprising a substantially transparent pane positioned within a portionof the elongated slice extending through one of the first and secondwall to form a viewing window into the area between the walls throughthe substantially transparent pane and wherein the diffusing paneextends along a portion of the elongated slice extending through theceiling.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the area between the walls isconfigured to house a desk and a chair.
 7. The system of claim 1 whereinat least one of the first and second walls is configured to receive adesk arranged to face the one of the first and second walls and form abackstop extending across an entirety of a work surface of the desk. 8.The system of claim 7 wherein the elongated slice extends through thebackstop to provide a user seated at the desk with a view from the areabetween the walls through the one of the first and second walls.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the elongated slice extends along one of thefirst and second walls not forming the backstop.
 10. The system of claim1 wherein the first and second walls have a vertical rise of less thanseven feet and the ceiling extends between the first and second walls ata termination of the vertical rise.
 11. The system of claim 10 whereinthe vertical rise is sufficient to allow a user to be seated at a chairarranged within the area between the walls and under the ceiling. 12.The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one horizontallyextending wall extending from one of the first and second walls tofurther enclose the area between the walls.
 13. The system of claim 1wherein the first and second walls are configured to disengage from theceiling to facilitate disassembly of the workspace divider system. 14.The system of claim 1 wherein a side of the first and second walls andthe ceiling facing the area between the walls include a sound absorbingmaterial.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein the sound absorbingmaterial includes at least one of cloth and foam.
 16. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the viewing passage has a width of greater thanapproximately an inch and less than approximately a foot.
 17. Aworkspace divider system comprising: a dividing wall having an upperedge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges; a first informational areaformed on the dividing wall and arranged proximate to the upper edge todisplay a first set of at least one of static information and dynamicinformation; a second informational area formed on the dividing wall andseparated from the first informational area to display a second set ofat least one of static information and dynamic information; at least oneelongated slice formed in the dividing wall to provide a viewing passagethrough the dividing wall; and wherein the at least one elongated sliceis arranged between the first informational area and the secondinformational area to divide the first informational area and the secondinformational area at a height on the dividing wall where at least aportion of the viewing passage is aligned at an average eye level of anindividual standing proximate to the dividing wall.
 18. The system ofclaim 17 further comprising a substantially transparent pane extendingover the elongated slice to support the first informational area abovethe second informational area while permitting a line of sight throughthe viewing passage.
 19. The system of claim 17 wherein at least one ofthe first informational area and the second informational area includesa display system configured to display video.
 20. The system of claim 19wherein another of the first informational area and the secondinformational area includes a bulletin board including a resilientsurface configured to receive push pins.
 21. The system of claim 17wherein the at least one elongated slice is arranged at a height ofapproximately five feet along a vertical rise of the dividing wall. 22.The system of claim 21 wherein the dividing wall has a vertical rise ofless than seven feet.
 23. The system of claim 17 further comprising atleast one foot arranged along the lower side of the dividing wall toallow the workspace divider system to be self-supporting.
 24. Aworkspace divider system comprising: first and second substantiallyvertically extending walls having a respective upper and lower edge andrespective side edges and, wherein the first and second walls arearranged substantially in parallel to partially enclose an area; aceiling extending between the first and second walls to join the upperedges of the first and second walls and at least partially covering thepartially enclosed area; and a plurality of coaxially aligned elongatedslices extending through the ceiling and at least one of the first andsecond walls having a common width to create viewing passages to andfrom the partially enclosed area.
 25. The workspace divider system ofclaim 24 wherein the plurality of coaxially aligned slices are arrangedto form a continuous viewing passage extending through the ceiling andat least one of the first and second walls.
 26. A workspace dividersystem comprising: a vertically extending wall having an upper edge anda lower edge and side edges; a ceiling extending from the upper edge ofthe wall and configured to engage a building wall to at least partiallyenclose an area thereunder; and an elongated slice extending through theceiling and the wall to create a continuous viewing passage to and fromthe partially enclosed area through the ceiling and the wall.
 27. Theworkspace divider system of claim 26 further comprising a horizontallyextending surface supported by the wall to create at least one of aseating area and a work surface within the partially enclosed area. 28.A workspace divider system comprising: first and second verticallyextending walls having a respective upper and lower edge and respectiveside edges and, wherein the first and second walls are arranged inparallel to partially enclose an area; a ceiling extending between thefirst and second walls to join the upper edges of the first and secondwalls and at least partially cover the partially enclosed area; and atleast two elongated slices having a common width extend through at leastone of the ceiling and the first and second walls to create a set ofviewing passages to and from the partially enclosed area.
 29. Theworkspace divider system of claim 28 wherein the at least two elongatedslices are aligned along a common axis extending along the at least twoelongated slices.
 30. A workspace divider system comprising: a firstwall and a second wall arranged as parallel, vertically-extendingpanels; a ceiling supported by the first wall and the second wall to atleast partially enclose an area within the first wall, the second wall,and the ceiling; and a horizontally extending surface supported by oneof the first wall and the second wall to create at least one of aseating area and a work surface within the at least partially enclosedarea.
 31. The workspace divider of claim 30 wherein the first wallextends from a first end supported on a floor to a second end supportingthe ceiling and wherein the second wall extends from a first endsupported by a desk supported above the floor by a support structure toa second end supporting the ceiling.
 32. The workspace divider of claim31 wherein the support structure includes two legs extending from anunderside of the desk to the floor to support the desk and the secondwall.
 33. The workspace divider of claim 31 wherein the desk extendsfrom a first end engaged with the second wall to a second end displacedfrom the first wall to form a passage between the first wall and thesecond end of the desk designed to receive a chair.
 34. The workspacedivider of claim 30 wherein the horizontally extending surface extendsfrom the first wall to form the seating area and further comprisinganother horizontally extending surface supported by the second wall toform a desk arranged opposite the seating area.
 35. The workspacedivider of claim 30 wherein the seating area forms a bench extendingtransversely across the first wall.
 36. The workspace divider of claim35 further comprising another horizontally extending surface supportedby the second wall to form another seating area arranged opposite theseating area.
 37. The workspace divider of claim 36 wherein the anotherseating area forms a bench extending transversely across the secondwall.
 38. The workspace divider of claim 30 further comprising a paddedlining extending over a surface of the first wall, the second wall, andthe ceiling facing the partially enclosed area.
 39. The workspacedivider of claim 38 wherein the padded lining includes a plurality ofpadding sections extending transversely across the first wall, thesecond wall, and the ceiling.
 40. The workspace divider of claim 30further comprising an elongated slice extending through at least aportion of the ceiling and at least one of the first and the second wallto form an elongated viewing passage.
 41. A workspace divider systemcomprising: a first bench extending from a first side to a second sidebetween a front side and a rear side and supported above a floor by afirst support structure; a second bench extending from a first side to asecond side between a front side and a rear side and supported above thefloor by a second support structure, wherein the front side of the firstbench and the front side of the second bench are aligned to extend inparallel; a first wall supported by the first bench along the rear sideto form a back for the first bench; a second wall supported by thesecond bench along the rear side forming a back for the second bench;and a ceiling supported by the first wall and the second wall over thefirst bench and the second bench.
 42. The workspace divider of claim 41wherein the first support structure and second support structure includea pair of legs extending from an underside of the first bench and thesecond bench, respectively.
 43. The workspace divider of claim 42wherein the pair of legs extending from the underside of the first benchand the pair of legs extending from the underside of the second benchform the sole support of the workspace divider above the floor.
 44. Theworkspace divider of claim 41 further comprising a padded liningextending over the first bench, the second bench, the first wall, thesecond wall, and the ceiling.
 45. The workspace divider of claim 44wherein the padded lining includes a plurality of padding sectionsextending transversely across first bench, the second bench, the firstwall, the second wall, and the ceiling.
 46. The workspace divider ofclaim 41 further comprising rounded interfaces joining the first walland the ceiling and the second wall and the ceiling.
 47. The workspacedivider of claim 41 further comprising rounded interfaces joining thefirst wall to the first bench and the second wall to the second bench.48. The workspace divider of claim 41 further comprising an elongatedslice extending through at least a portion of the ceiling and at leastone of the first and the second wall to form an elongated viewingpassage.
 49. A workspace divider system comprising: a first wallextending vertically from a lower end supported by a floor to an upperend; a desk supported by an associated support structure above thefloor; a second wall extending vertically from a lower end supported bythe desk to an upper end; a ceiling supported at a first end by theupper end of the first wall and at a second end arranged opposite thefirst end by the upper end of the second wall.
 50. The workspace dividerof claim 49 wherein the desk extends from a first end engaged with thesecond wall to a second end displaced from the first wall to form apassage between the first wall and the second end of the desk designedto receive a chair arranged proximate to the desk.
 51. The workspacedivider of claim 49 wherein the support structure consists of a pair oflegs extending from the floor to support the desk.
 52. The workspacedivider of claim 49 further comprising rounded interfaces joining theupper end of the first wall to the ceiling and the lower end of thesecond wall to the desk.
 53. The workspace divider of claim 52 furthercomprising a right-angle interface joining the upper end of the secondwall to the ceiling.
 54. The workspace divider of claim 49 furthercomprising an elongated slice extending through at least a portion ofthe ceiling and at least one of the first and the second wall to form anelongated viewing passage.